Fitzmaurice: There was a special bond between those players from Dublin and Kerry

McGrath Cup Final: Tipperary v Kerry

Like every other Kerry football fan however, he grew up knowing the name of Kevin Heffernan, the legendary Dublin manager of that period who passed away yesterday. Even as he was finalising preparations for this afternoon’s McGrath Cup final against Tipperary, Eamonn took time out to pay tribute to Kerry’s once greatest rival.

“Kevin was the mastermind behind that great Dublin team. His first year in charge, 1974, he led them to their first All-Ireland title since 1963, then went on to win two more.

“The fact that he had already won an All-Ireland as a player meant he joined a very exclusive club. He certainly advanced the Dubs, forced Mick O’Dwyer into raising the bar again after that All-Ireland in ’74.

“Between them Dublin and Kerry took football to new heights and a great rivalry was born, a rivalry that lasted nearly a decade.”

In the mid-’70s, and even allowing for the great Down side of the ’60s, tactics in gaelic football terms were still pretty basic. Then along came Kevin Heffernan.

“He was a very innovative coach, especially for that time,” said Eamonn.

“He got Dublin superbly fit but tactically also he was ahead of his time.”

While the rivalry on the field became more and more intense, there was a growing mutual respect between Kerry and the Dubs.

“There was a special bond that developed between those two sets of players, from Dublin and Kerry, and Heffo was probably the archetypical Dub, very witty, great character.

“It’s a sad coincidence I suppose but within a few weeks we’ve lost Páidí Ó Sé and now Kevin Heffernan, two men who probably defined where they were from. Páidí a quintessential Kerryman, Kevin the quintessential Dub, from those two great teams. On behalf of the current Kerry panel I’d like to offer our condolences to his family and to all Dublin supporters.”

Looking to this afternoon’s match, and despite the fact that Kerry – as always against Tipperary – will be hot favourites, Eamonn is expecting a battle.

“We’ll really to have to be on our guard. Tipperary have already beaten Cork in this competition, Peter Creedon is doing a great job with them.

“I’m sure they’d love nothing more than to pick up another scalp and the fact that it’s in Tipperary town, home support, the conditions are all there for an upset. We’ll try to tune in to our own job, see where that takes us.

“We’re down a good few players, the team is still experimental, but we’re very happy to have another competitive game.”

A new captain also, in Duagh’s Anthony Maher.

“It’s a great honour for Anthony but we feel he has served his apprenticeship. While the Crokes lads are away he’ll be our captain and I’m sure he’ll do a great job for us and hopefully it will be something he’ll relish and enjoy.”